Being a lady is hard. From haircare to skincare to dental care there is always something that can be plucked, glossed, or whitened. Throw kids, dogs, work, household chores and significant others in the mix and most of the time, we run out of time to take care of ourselves. Here’s the thing, just because I’m a very busy wedding planner, dog mom, and master cleaner of all household chores, doesn’t mean that I’m throwing in the towel when it comes to pampering myself. There are products that can make our lives easier...like Smile Brilliant. What is this you ask? Only the easiest at-home teeth whitening kit that actually whitens and brightens your smile.

I'll admit it, I drink coffee, indulge in the occasional soda, and eat products that stain and yellow my teeth. It can definitely be embarrassing to have a smile that is "not your best" - especially if you are always working with people! I've tried whitening strips you can buy at the store and the toothpaste that claims to whiten your teeth and neither of those worked (or worked well in may opinion). And I definitely can't afford those expensive whitening treatments at the dentist, not to mention, have the time for them. I needed something convenient and cost effective, so I decided to try Smile Brilliant.

Smile Brilliant is a company that developed a way for you to whiten your teeth at home. It works by you molding impressions of your top and bottom teeth in just 15 minutes and sending those impressions into their lab. Once at the lab, their scientists craft exact models of your teeth into trays. These trays are shipped back to you along with the whitening gel, and in my case, the desensitizing gel, for you to use!

After the first treatment I was incredibly shocked at how white my teeth were. The next two, then three, then five treatments were even better. The absolute best part about these trays is that I can multitask, I always try to use them in the late afternoon or before bed. Whether I'm blogging, working, outside with the pups, or cleaning the house my teeth are whitening too! While my teeth were never incredibly stained or yellow (I take dental care very seriously), they became significantly brighter and whiter with Smile Brilliant.

I'm in the business of making people smile, so it only makes sense that my smile is bright and white! Some of you may have questions in regards to how the products work, if it makes your teeth sensitive, etc., so be sure to check out their FAQ page to read more. I was worried about sensitivity but have been fortunate to not have any! I use the trays anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half followed by the desensitizing gel for 15 minutes. This seems to be the winning combination for me. I can truly say that I am incredibly confident about my smile since I started Smile Brilliant, and you should too! It's just in time for the holidays and the perfect time to start perfecting your smile.

For those of you that loathe holiday music, this post isn't for you. There is nothing I love more then getting into the spirit of the holidays by listening to the best holiday hits. I generally start listening before Thanksgiving and you can bet the holiday radio channel is preset in my car. There are a lot of classic hits that I listen to year after year but the new songs that are out this year are too good not to share (you may see sneak peeks on my Insta-Story)!

Cyber Monday is my favorite shopping day. Why? You can shop til' you drop out of the comfort of your own home in your cozy flannel pajamas, slippers and a big mug of hot cocoa. There are a few places that have better sales than they do on Black Friday so I wanted to share some here!

I'm spending the day with loved ones and reminding myself of all the things I'm grateful for. Sending you pumpkin-fulls of gratitude and thankfulness today. I'm incredibly grateful for all my readers! Without you, there would be no Tay Meets World!

I love a good sale. In fact, I only shop for items on sale. Call me a deal lover or just someone who doesn't think you need to break the bank to look chic - well, I've rounded up all the best sales for you to pre-shop and shop on Black Friday! Below are some of my favorite shops including some pretty amazing winter pieces that are on sale. I've rounded up more at the end!

From tartan to faux fur, J.Crew is not disappointing this season! I always recommend J.Crew as the store to buy your basics. Winter wool jackets, cable-knit hats, turtlenecks, and button-down blouses are pieces that you can wear season after season. It's rare they offer 40% off your entire purchase so shop the widget below, you don't want to miss these deals!

Aside from J.Crew, their Factory outlet is probably where I shop the most. I have yet to find another factory store that is still high in quality but low in price. I'm never disappointed, I always find something! Right now they are offering 50% off all new arrivals and 50-60% off everything else. The prices are really good. If you are needing to stock up on new winter clothing, buy gifts, or pick out a new holiday outfit, I would definitely take a look here!

The blush pink items at Banana Republic right now are just too good. More faux-fur (you'll notice that trend this season), fringe, and faux pearls are lining the shelves. I love these feminine touches to classic pieces like a satin blouse and pencil skirt. This is my go-to store for all things feminine and girly. They tailored suits, details on blouses, and merino wool sweaters are perfect additions to any gal's closet!

If you've never shopped Boden, you are seriously missing out. It all started a few years ago with these slippers and ever since, I've been hooked. While it ranges on the more expensive side, their sales are too good to miss!

It's around this time of year where my heart aches to help others. If you know me, then you know I'm a very empathetic person, in other words, I feel for ya! If it's a homeless man on the side of the road, stray dogs or cats, kids that need a coat or winter boots, or someone who is battling a sickness...I tear up and all I want to do is help. At this point in my life, I'm not able to do much, but even the littlest thing is something. I've rounded up five different ways you can give back this year, of course there are many other ways but these are ways that can make a huge impact. Tis' the season to give❤️

1. Sponsor A Family - If you read my Christmas Story last year then you know we sponsored a family. I still cannot read that post without crying. The family had incredible spirits for the position they were put in and I am so grateful I was able to be a small part of their lives. Think of all the families around the nation that cannot have a Thanksgiving or Christmas because of the situation they're in. YOU can make sure they do by simply sharing. It has a such a huge impact and doesn't take much.

2. Donate Clothes - It's near winter and that means the temperatures are dropping. Donate old coats, hats, boots, gloves, etc., to the nearest shelter or coat drive. There are children that don't have winter coats or have outgrown their winter boots and cannot afford new ones - this is a super easy way to give back and know you are making a significant difference in some child's life.

3. Adopt or Foster a Pet - I'm being honest in that this one is really hard for me. Currently, there is the sweetest husky pup in Iowa who is blind. He hasn't had a home that has shown him love and taught him "life" in a way he will know how. If you don't have a pet, I would definitely suggest you consider adopting one! You're essentially saving a life, and the new bundle fo joy that you bring home will change yours.❤️

4. Pay It Forward - One of my favorite ways to give back is simply to pay it forward. To help someone out just because. Whether you leave a $100 gift card in the Starbucks drive thru, buy someone's lunch, give something for free, etc., all of these ways will have an impact greater than you might think. Not to mention, it feels so good making someone's day or surprising them!

5. Mend Broken Relationships - There's no better time to mend broken relationships then the holidays! If you're feeling sad or upset about a relationship that is no more, chances are the other side of the relationship is too. Sending a card, making a surprise visit or phone call are all great ways to spark the relationship. Maybe it's a friendship, distant relative, or close relative that you aren't in touch with anymore....get back in touch. The gift of family and friendship is so much greater than any other gift given.

The holiday shoe addiction is real. Really real. The plaid, velvet, pom-poms and bows are just too cute. If only I had an unlimited shoe budget, all of these would be added to my shopping cart. There are so many unique options this holiday season. Talbots, J.Crew, ASOS, Nine West and Boden all have beautiful options. Shoes are the perfect way to add some pizzaz to any outfit or to pull the entire look together, especially if you gravitate towards classic and simple pieces of clothing.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't starting to feel stressed about the upcoming holidays. While this is my absolute favorite time of year, it never fails, I always have anxiety and a huge amount of stress that comes along for the ride. Whatever stressor you're dealing with: family, work, finances, etc., there are some things I have learned the past couple of years that always seem to make things better.

1. Understand You Can't Do It All - Since I became an event coordinator/wedding planner this is my mantra. No one can do it all, especially not during the holidays. If you have a huge list of things you wish to accomplish, cross off three and pass them along to someone else or simply get rid of them. This is time of year to actually enjoy having some and you can't enjoy it if you have a huge list of things to get done.

2. Choose One Thing That Would Make Your Holiday Season And Do That - For some, it might be to spend time with a certain person. Maybe you're craving to go ice skating or learning to ski. Maybe it's buying a puppy or not traveling this year. Whatever it is (not monetary but memory focused), do that. The past couple of years I have stopped doing what I think is expected of me and I started doing what will make me happy. Too many people run themselves thin this time of year and they lose sight of what actually matters. Instead, do what will make you feel content and just enjoy!

3. Meditate And Take Time To Relax - Finding your center can be a pretty great thing. Relaxation and time spent unclogging your brain will make you feel much more at ease this holiday season. I love to relax with hot chocolate and watch my favorite holiday movies, take hot baths, and do some yoga in the morning. Helping your body, mind, and soul relax will help you sour through the holidays without any stress.

4. Delegate. If you're hosting a holiday dinner and are stressed about all the food you're making, delegate! Maybe you're hosting the holidays at your home - from cleaning to preparing to cooking - it can be exhausting, delegate! This is the time of year when (hopefully) lending a helpful hand is exceptionally appreciated but don't be afraid to include your family and friends. Make a game out of cleaning with the kids. Try new recipes and let others bring a dish for Thanksgiving. Whatever it may be, delegate and ask for help!

5. Spend Less, Give Away Your Time. Last year's Christmas was one of a kind, I spent more of my time then I did money and that was uniquely special. I'm not at a point in my life where I can gift lavish gifts and spend a lot of money, but my time is just as valuable. Hosting a family of Christmas, volunteering and giving back to the community is just as great or even better than spending money. I spent two weeks with my family, relaxed, and gained some personal growth.

*You will feel less pressure knowing you aren't spending as much, but you will feel more fulfilled by giving your time.

Time certainly does fly. It was this time last year that I started thinking about getting a puppy. Fast forward to Thanksgiving and I saw that she was posted for sale online. For weeks I stared at her little photo on the internet, contemplating if I should take her home or not. Fast forward through Christmas, birthday, and New Year's Eve and she was still available. I decided it was fate - later in January we drove to go pick her up and it has been a blessing ever since.

Some of you might not understand the relationship between a human and a dog. It's an unbreakable bond that I don't feel you can have with any human. Coming home to a sweet little pup that wags her tail and knocks things over at the sight of you will melt your heart. They will love you no matter what the circumstances are.

We celebrated her first birthday with a trip to her favorite place, the dog park, cake for breakfast, a day full of naps and of course, presents.

Fun facts:
1 // She loves everyone and everything. This dog will lick you until you're blue in the face. She kisses all other dogs and loves strangers (not much of a guard dog 😂).

2 // She talks all the time. It's hilarious how vocal she is, she loves talking and especially when you talk to her!

3 // Her favorite toy is a little orange ball. While she will chew on bones for days, her ball is her absolute favorite. If you're not throwing it in the air for her to catch, she will roll it under the coffee table, paw it out, and repeat to keep herself entertained.

4 // Her meals are her favorite time of the day. She loves meal time and gets so excited. It's adorable!

5 // She was built to run. Lately we have been testing her running by putting her harness on and running with her. She would go forever if you let her. She simply never wants to stop. She'd make a great addition to a sled dog team 🐶

It's officially sweater weather here and I'm pulling out all my favs from years past but I can't help but browse all the new styles that have hit the shelves. Born and raised in the midwest, I will always love the power of layering. Chunky knits are the perfect excuse to stay cozy in the late fall and winter months. Throw on a simple long sleeve tee underneath or a camisole and top with a vest, scarf or jacket and frolic in the cold weather. I have rounded up some super cute sweaters, all under $50! Most of these will most likely go on sale (if they already aren't) in a couple of weeks - time to stock up on the sweater basics!

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